6th to 28th August 2010, Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Edinburgh. Scotland's most spectacular yearly outdoor military show set against the magnificent backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. The Tattoo has been called the most spectacular show in the world and is seen by an international TV audience of 100 million every year. Full details can be found on www.edinburgh-tattoo.co.uk

7th August 2010, North Berwick International Highland Games, North Berwick, East Lothian. A traditional Highland Games hostomg events such as throwing the Scots hammer, tossing the caber, and many Highland dancing competitions throughout the day. The games also hosts the Lothian and Borders Pipe Band Championships with over 70 bands from all over the world competing. The day ends with a spectacular massed pipe band display. www.northberwickhighlandgames.co.uk  lists full details. 

7th to 15th August 2010, Pittenweem Arts Festival, Pittenweem. This festival was founded in 1982 and since then has grown into one of Scotland's most popular and well known arts events. Each year, 80 plus exhibitions are housed in imaginative exhibition spaces created from artists' studios, garages, courtyards and gardens. Stroll around the village, see the artworks for sale and meet the artists. Details are at website www.pittenweemartsfestival.co.uk

6th and 7th August 2010, Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival, Belladrum Estate, By Beauly, Inverness-shire. A family friendly celebration of music and the performing arts in the form of a two-day open air festival. The festival acts as a stage for young and unsigned bands, anything from cabaret to children's theatre, alternative healing, stalls, charities, kids' entertainments and a tipi reservation. To find out more please visit their website at www.tartanheartfestival .co.uk

7th to 8th August 2010, Orchid Festival, Scone Palace, nr Perth. Orchid enthusiasts and keen gardeners will be heading for Scone Palace and its annual Orchid Festival. The festival will include displays by some of the UK’s most prestigious orchid nurseries and suppliers and plants will be available for purchase during the weekend. Full details can be found at www.scone-palace.co.uk

20th to 22nd August 2010, Innerleithen Music Festival, Innerleithen. This festival will suit all ages and tastes and truly has something for all the family. Concerts and music workshops are at the heart of this festival in picturesque Innerleithen. Full details of what is on offer can be found on www.innerleithenmusic festival.org

Throughout the year, The Scottish Storytelling Centre, John Knox House High Street, Edinburgh. The Centre is a unique venue the home of Scotland's stories on Edinburgh's Royal Mile. The autumn and winter programme reflects the seasons and celebrations of St. Andrew's Day, Yule and the turning of the year, with live storytelling, theatre and family events. Please visit their web site scottistorytellingcentre for all the relevant details.

Throughout the year Lauriston Castle in Edinburgh, provides an abundance of interesting events to suit the whole family from experiencing what it was like to be a servant in the castle in days gone by to art classes and discovering the exotic blooms which can be found in the gardens there is something for everyone. Full details can be found on their website www.cac.org.uk

Until 21st August 2010, Roger Fenton and Julia Cameron, Early British Photographs from the Royal Collection, Aberdeen Art Gallery, Aberdeen. The exhibition displays the exceptional patronage of Prince Albert and Queen Victoria at an early stage of the medium by highlighting two of the most important people in the history of photography. The photographs by Roger Fenton in the Royal Collection, from which the group included in the exhibition is taken, is one of the world's finest selection of Fenton's work. The small group of images by Julia Margaret Cameron is in outstanding condition and relatively unknown. All events taking place in Aberdeen can be found at www.aberdeencity.gov.uk.

13th August to 5th September 2010, Edinburgh International Festival, Edinburgh. One of the greatest celebrations of the arts, the Edinburgh International Festival offers a unique opportunity to experience the excitement of live performance by internationally renowned artists as well as the joy of discovering new and unfamiliar works. A rich programme of classical music, theatre, opera and dance is staged in major theatres and concert halls and smaller venues around the city over a three-week period in late summer. www.eif.co.uk will give you further details.